Chapter 98

A/N” Sorry guys that I left so long but I passed my exam (final paper)! That class was hard, and I also still had to go to work so I wrote what I could in my spare time, but now that summer’s here hopefully I can post daily. I still have a week left of classes but that paper was worth like … 30% of my grade.

Autumn

“You look so nice!” Clapped my mom. I was in her old dress, and it looked very traditional. It was big, puffy, long-sleeved, and had three roses at the base of a deep V. I liked it. The only thing I might have needed, was to mend a small whole in the base of the veil. “I really want you to wear this.” She said tearing up and I hugged her.

“The only thing is that I swear it needs something…” I said looking at the V part, mom smiled.

“Here, what about this? I wore this with it too.” She rummaged around and pinned three white roses at its base. “Is it too old fashioned? We can buy you a new dress.” She said worriedly, but I would sooth her. I hugged my mom tightly, and did a little spin in the mirror.

“Mom I mean it, I want to wear this. I was actually going to ask later on today, but this is fine too.” I beamed.

Dad hugged us both. “My little girl is all grown up.”

“Me and Edna will make the cake, dad can take the pictures, and I’m just so happy.” She squealed. “I thought when you left you wouldn’t be back.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, getting squished.

“You’re mate’s a council member, as well as an Alpha. I thought he was as old as grandfather, or at the very least one of the other council’s grandpups. They are old men with old mentalities.” She warned.

“Oh I know… I had the displeasure of meeting some of them.” I grumbled.

“I believe you.” She smiled. “Let’s talk of lighter things. It’s bad luck for the bride to be unhappy.”

We shared a giggle. “I want to go to the priest, Father Norbit.” I smiled, but they didn’t.

“Honey now that you’re a wolf, you would talk to Father Bethel.” Said dad.

“Does he not like wolves?” I asked and they shook their head.

“No, but as a priest of the Light, he cannot help you with anything. Father Bethel is a wolf blessed by the goddess herself. You’d go to the same chapel, just have a different sermon.” Smiled mom.

“But I’m human….” I said looking down. I grew up going to that church every holiday. East-star, Solsticemas, Mid-Summer, even Hollowed Night….

“All who have a wolf return to the Goddess. No matter how human, once you have a wolf you may no longer live under the Light’s blessings.” Said dad.

“Do you have wolves? Even sleeping ones then?” I asked, knowing the answer. They both shook their head…

There was a bittersweetness to this. I didn’t think I’d get upset over the priest being different… but if they didn’t have wolves and hailed to the Sun… they would return to him, and I the Moon Goddess... It was sweet to know that I would go with my mate, but I would leave my parents behind.

“Then I’ll be sure to visit as much as I can.” I smiled to keep myself from tears. If I started, mom would too, and I didn’t want that.

“That’s fine, but only if you’re able. You’re a Luna first.” My mom said proudly.

We stayed in the house for a little while, composing ourselves before heading out. The moment I did, I realized just how big my home pack was. It had a population of thirty thousand, and at least three-fourths of that were wolves. Any who didn’t know like me were told their entire lives that they were just big dogs in the streets, but now I knew better.

It kind of amazed me…. and I kept my smile to shove my newfound realization in the back of my mind so I could get things done. I was getting married. I was Luna. I needed to plan for the big day, and we would spend time in Greece afterward as a honeymoon.

I hadn’t talked to my mate about that yet, but he said pick a place, and I wanted to see Athens.

I slapped my cheeks, walking with them to the car, since today was cold, and the snow was falling again. They drove to the shopping area, and we got out to get some shoes and other things for the wedding and reception. We lived close to the mountains, so it was cold even in the spring at times. I missed that though. I blew my breath in the cold air, and I could see it. It reminded me of when I was little, and we pretended we could breathe fire and we would roar at the passing cars… I realized that Edna did that with me… and would remember that… And that she was likely hundreds of years old….

She better not tell Oliver.

“Try these.” Said my mom, while dad stood off to the side, talking with the cashier. They fit, and were white plain high heels that I doubted anyone would see. I found earrings, something for after the wedding, and a small sun pin that also held the moon on it as well. I thought it was cute, and I would wear this because I still saw myself as both. Even though I was born with a wolf… or she developed, it still meant I was a wolf raised human, but my parents are. They wouldn’t live too much longer compared to me… since I’d seen wolves in their thousands look like they’re in their late thirties at best…. Like grandpa Phillip and Frigus.

And like I talked him up, Officer Frost rode around to greet us. He waved, eating a turkey sandwich with some red headed girls in the back seat.

“My Lady.” They bowed when they got out. “We’re here to fix your dress, and do hair and makeup the day of the ceremony.” One of them smiled. They looked like sisters, though one was taller than the other by a few inches.

“I’m Gina, and this is my older sister Kinia.” Smiled the taller one.

“Well you guys just missed me trying on the dress, but we can go back to it.” I smiled. They seemed content with that, choosing to follow me an nothing more.

“I’ve never met a witch before.” Said dad, shaking their wrists. “I’m sure we have everything you need.”

Gina nodded. “Yes, and we can start by giving the Lady this.” She held out a small black stone pendant, that held a green glow. “Tourmaline blessed by the Earth Goddess Lia.”

I could feel almost soothed by its touch, and I put it on, having a small green glow around me for a moment. “I feel like there’s a shield on my skin.” I smiled.

“It’s because by her grace you are. Most witches and no-gooders won’t be able to hurt you with that on. Also here are some extra. Keep them with you always.” Said Kinia.

They almost said it like they knew something was going on, but I would drop it. I needed to ask away from my family, as I knew my mate. It was probably something he shouldn’t have done in retaliation for me almost getting kidnapped.

That witches came in person was also suspicious, but I would ask them later. In the meantime, we got more things, and they escorted me to the packhouse. They were as helpful as they were cheerful, but I didn’t know what to make of it. I went into me and Oliver’s guest room, since he was likely in Phillip’s office. I hadn’t seen either of them yet, and for now, that was kind of a good thing since I know they wouldn’t tell with them in the room.

“Ok, tell me why you’re really here.” I said closing the door

“Lord Oliver has done something to upset Sunrise Coven. They sent a curse we intercepted, and returned it…. but it was directed towards you my lady.” Said the taller sister, Ginia.

“Are you here to protect me then?” I questioned and they nodded.

“We are healing witches that hail to Lia, but also we draw from the Lord of Flame.” Said the shorter sister, Kinia.

“We will not attend your ceremony, as custom, we are to guard instead. Nothing we do here is out of pleasure, but out of keeping you safe.” Ginia looked out the window. “I know you don’t see it, but there are witches who live in this town employed by your grandfather… but they are much older and stronger than us. They likely guard his mate, and are sworn to aid her and her alone. We are tasked with such an endeavor as well.”

“Why do I feel like a burden being human?” I asked myself out loud, and Kinia scoffed.

“Because you are my Lady, as are any who are married to those beyond their station. It is the way of things that powerful men clash, and women are often the targets, as they are cowards. They fear your mate has become something they cannot control, and anything they can’t control is a threat.” She said plainly. “I am only two thousand years old, but I know in my heart I am right. Brutus Will try again, but he will never succeed.”

“Sister that is too harsh for a human. Forgive my sister. We are earth witches; we are blunt people. Her words are from a place of harsh honesty, but I will say mine with a little mor honey. You are mated to one of the Council. Even if you were pure, they would target You. He is too strong for Brutus, or is cronies, but you are a woman. He doesn’t see value in us, and thinks of us as objects, so of course he would target you to force Lord Oliver to obey. Nothing you do will stop his foolish mindset. So instead, I wish for you to be happy. Be with your mate; we will shield you as we have been since he took Emerald from the High Crone.” Bowed Kinia.

“Thank you for your kinder words. I guess for now… just do what you can to help without hurting yourselves.” I said with a small smile. My phone buzzed. “I texted you our numbers if you need anything.”

“For now, I would like to be alone so I can get in touch with Edna for the flowers and my mom’s making the food with Diana.” I said standing tall. I wouldn’t let them see that their words did sting a little.

I accepted this world when I was marked by my mate. I knew that I was weak from the start… I knew that I would be a target. I have been for the longest time. Even before what Brutus had done, there was Wyatt. I couldn’t change who I was, or what they thought, but I could hold my head high. I wouldn’t be weak. With Wolves weakness is looked down on. If I was to be respected, and not targeted anymore, I would have to be stronger than I am now.